Collapsible Transport Container

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a collapsible container for transport of goods, comprising assembled container sides consisting of a substantially flat bottom part, a number of side walls connected hingedly to the bottom part and at least one top part connected hingedly to a side wall, wherein the container sides are displaceable between a collapsed position, in which the container sides lie substantially parallel to each other, and an active position in which the container sides enclose a storage space, wherein the side walls and the top part are displaceable relative to the bottom part such that in a collapsed position of the container they can be placed on the flat bottom part.

The invention relates to a collapsible transport container for containing objects. The invention also relates to a method for constructing and collapsing such a transport container.

The transport of objects takes place in both packed and non-packed state. It is possible here to envisage shipping packages or other loose goods by aircraft, vehicle and/or by ship. The objects for transporting are usually packed for this purpose in a container which is also referred to as a box. There exists a very wide diversity of container forms, the dimensions of which are sometimes optimized for a specific transport modality. The drawback of conventional transport containers is that they usually have a fixed form such that during return transport, wherein they are not filled, or are filled less than optimally, they take up a needlessly large transport volume.

The German Gebrauchsmuster DE 44 25 435 describes a reusable transport container for technical equipment in the form of a case-like box closed on all sides. The upright walls of the transport container are connected hingedly to each other such that they can be folded together to form a flat structure. The cover and the bottom can then be pivoted to a position parallel against the opposite sides of the folded structure. Such a transport container has the very significant advantage that it enables reduction of the transport volume of the container when it is not filled. Significant logistical advantages can thus be realized with this container. The drawback of this construction however is that in the folded state the transport container is not very easy to handle; the length and width of the folded transport container take up at least the sum of two adjoining upright walls.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved collapsible container which, while retaining the advantages of the prior art, can be collapsed to a manageable volume such that particularly in the collapsed state the container can be transported efficiently and stored efficiently.

The invention provides for this purpose a collapsible container for transport of goods, comprising assembled container sides consisting of a substantially flat bottom part, a number of side walls connected hingedly to the bottom part and at least one top part connected hingedly to a side wall, wherein the container sides are displaceable between a collapsed position, in which the container sides lie substantially parallel to each other, and an active position in which the container sides enclose a storage space, characterized in that the side walls and the top part are displaceable relative to the bottom part such that in a collapsed position of the container they can be placed on the flat bottom part. The advantage of the collapsible container according to the present invention is that in a collapsed position the container has maximum dimensions which correspond to the dimensions of the bottom part. The collapsed container can thus be placed without any problem at a location where a non-collapsed container can also be placed. In other words: the surface of a storage location or a transport location suitable for containing a container in the active position is also suitable in the construction according to the invention for accommodating a container in the collapsed position. The volume of a collapsed container is of course significantly smaller than the volume of the same container in an active position, so that a plurality of collapsed containers can normally be stacked on top of each other such that they still fill a smaller volume than a single container in the active position. Another advantage is that the wall parts, other than the bottom part, can also remain clear of the ground in the collapsed position of the transport container, so that it is possible to prevent these wall parts being contaminated as a result of contact with the ground. Yet another advantage is that in the collapsed position the edges of the upright wall parts and the top part lie within the periphery defined by the edges of the bottom part, whereby the bottom part, which will take a relatively sturdy form, protects these edges from damage. The hinged coupling of at least a part of the side walls and the top part has the advantage that the join between at least a part of the container parts is maintained irrespective of the situation (active, collapsed or an intermediate position) of the container. This has the advantage that collapsing or constructing of the container is simple and that components are less likely to be lost.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the side walls is hingedly coupled to the bottom part via a profile assembled from a plurality of types of material. A profile assembled from a plurality of types of material is understood to mean a profile which can for instance be manufactured by means of coextrusion from at least two different materials; usually two substantially form-retaining profile parts which are adapted (by means of for instance a receiving space) to engage on a container side and a flexible profile part connecting the form-retaining profile parts. An at least substantially form-retaining plastic can be chosen as form-retaining material and a rubber-like material can for instance be chosen as flexible material. The profile assembled from a plurality of types of material thus forms a hinge. Such a hinge has the advantage that the position of a wall part relative to a side wall is partially maintained so that a rapid construction or a rapid collapsing of the container is possible.

It can also be advantageous if a first container side which can be connected releasably to a second container side is provided with a profile part provided with a stop surface adapted to engage on the second container side. Such profile parts can enable a good and controllable connection of adjoining container sides in the active position. When the second container side is also provided with a profile part provided with a stop surface adapted to engage on the first container side such that the two profile parts connected to the first and second container side are dimensioned for releasable co-action, the connection of the adjoining container sides is wholly determined by the co-acting profile parts, and the functionality desired for connection can thus be determined wholly by the choice of the profile parts (for instance connection via a resilient material or connection with simultaneous form-fitting or magnetic attachment).

In order to fix the connecting container sides in an active position of the container, it is possible to provide two releasably connectable container sides with co-acting coupling means, such as for instance a velcro tape fastening.

It is also possible for at least one of the upright side walls to be assembled from a plurality of segments hingedly connected to each other. It thus becomes possible to assemble a container which in the active position has a form other than rectangular. It is possible here for instance to envisage the form of aircraft containers which usually have a narrowed, tapering upper part so as to thus enable efficient loading of a cargo space of an aircraft.

It is furthermore possible for at least one of the upright side walls to be provided with a releasable segment Such a segment can for instance form an access (door).

So as to further protect the side wall parts in a collapsed position of the container and to increase the strength of the container, it is possible for the bottom part to be provided with an upright edge part, on the upper edge of which a side wall engages hingedly. For the purpose of displacing the container or storing the container, the container can be provided with engaging means which are externally accessible in the active position. Examples hereof are openings arranged in the bottom part for receiving the prongs of a lifting device, lifting eyes, corner castings, fastening apertures and so forth.

In yet another embodiment variant, the container is provided with coupling means located on the inside of the container, in active position of the container, for coupling a vehicle to the container. The coupling means are provided so as to enable the realization of preferably, but not necessarily, a rigid coupling between the container and the vehicle. The coupling means for coupling an object to the container can consist for instance of eyes, loops or other engaging positions, for instance for bands, cords, belts, straps or other connecting means. The coupling between the container and an object enclosed thereby prevents the object displacing freely in the container and thus possibly being damaged and/or damaging the container. In the enclosed situation the object is protected by the container walls which can be embodied for this purpose in a strong material such that mechanical load on the outer side of a container in the active position cannot be transmitted to the vehicle, or only in diminished form. The container walls can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials such as metal, plastic or natural materials. It is also possible for composite (plate) material to be applied. Favourable results are anticipated in the application by means of spatially structured plate material, optionally laminated with flat plate material. A particular possible application of the container according to the invention is the transport and transshipment of vehicles (for instance in transport by plane, car, train and/or boat). The present invention can however also be advantageous in the (temporary) storage of vehicles.

In yet another preferred variant, the container is provided with coupling means connectable releasably to the bottom part for fixing an object for securing at a distance from the bottom part. Here can be envisaged a profile part for releasable coupling to the bottom part which can be fixed in the bottom part and to which the object can then be fastened. In the collapsed position this profile part will usually be disconnected from the bottom part and placed (optionally coupled to the container sides) parallel to the container walls.

It is particularly advantageous if the container in the active position encloses a storage space which is dimensioned to contain a two-wheeler. Specifically envisaged here are motorbikes, but also cycles, mopeds, scooters, motor-assisted cycles and so forth can also be packed in a container according to the invention. Such means of transport are frequently transported and are usually treated with care. The transport of for instance a motorbike in the bed of a pick-up truck can now take place in a protected environment. Conversely, two-wheelers are usually used for only a limited part of the year and for the remaining part of the year (for instance the winter) they are stored in a shed or garage. In order to now protect such a two-wheeler during storage and to enable efficient storage, it can be advantageous to pack it with the container according to the present invention. Additional facilities can herein also be arranged in the container such as moisture-absorbing means (hygroscopic material) and/or heating means. It is moreover also possible, depending on the embodiment of the container, to store a two-wheeler (or other vehicle) therein outside, i.e. not in a shed or garage but placed directly in the open air. In order to protect the vehicle even better, the container can be provided in the active position with at least one support element that is manufactured from a shock-absorbing material.

The present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of non-limitative embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container according to the invention in an active position,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment variant of a container according to the invention in an active position,

FIGS. 3A-3C show cross-sections through profile parts for applying in the container according to the invention,

FIGS. 4A-4E show successive stages in the conversion of a container in an active position into a collapsed container,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment variant of a container according to the invention in an active position,

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the container shown in FIG. 5 in a collapsed position,

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of the container shown in the foregoing figures in an intermediate position, in which a motorbike can be placed in or taken out of the container.

FIG. 1 shows a container 1 for containing products, not shown in this figure, with a bottom part 2. Upright side walls 3 are connected to bottom part 2. It is noted that side walls 3 are constructed from a number of segments 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 connected hingedly (or as desired releasably) to each other. A top part 9 connects onto the upper segments 5, 8 of side walls 3. Side walls 3 and top part 9 are mutually connected with for instance velcro tape fastenings 10. Because of the chamfered top part the container 1 is particularly suitable for transport in an aircraft. FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment variant of a rectangular container 11 with a bottom part 12 in which fastening openings 13 are provided. Container 11 is provided with upright side walls 13 and a top part 14.

FIG. 3A shows in cross-section a profile part 20 with a channel-like opening 21 for receiving a wall part. Also arranged is an edge 22 which projects from profile part 20 and which can function as stop edge for an adjoining wall part. FIG. 3B shows a cross-section of another variant of a profile part 23, likewise provided with a channel-like opening 24 for receiving a wall part. In this variant a projecting stop edge 25 has an orientation differing from that of the profile part 20 shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C shows a coupling profile 26 with which two wall parts 27, 28 can be coupled at a right angle.

FIGS. 4A to 4E show in successive stages how a container 30 is converted from an active position into a collapsed (folded-together) position. Shown here is that two front panels 31 with hinged door panels 32 are detached from the remaining part of container 30. After the rear panels 33 have been laid, in a step which is not shown, against a bottom part 34, in FIGS. 4C and 4D the remaining side walls 35 and top part 36 are folded together and placed against bottom part 34. Finally remaining is a collapsed container 30 as shown in FIG. 4E.

FIG. 5 shows a container 101 for containing a vehicle (not shown) with a bottom part 102 in which openings 103 are left clear for the prongs of a fork-lift truck. Upright side walls 104 are connected to bottom part 102 via hinges. Top segments 105 connect to side walls 104 such that container 101 fully encloses a space. Side walls 104 and top segments 105 can be mutually connected using for instance velcro tape fastenings which are not shown in this figure.

FIGS. 6A and 6B once again show container 101, although now in a collapsed position. Bottom part 102, side walls 104 and top segments 105 are in this situation placed at least substantially parallel to each other and thus take up less great a volume than the container in an active position (see FIG. 5). Recesses 107 are left clear in a bottom plate 106 which forms part of bottom part 102, whereby a fixing bar is accessible. By means of openings 107 and fixing bar the coupling elements (bands, cords, belts and so forth) can be used to anchor to the bottom part a vehicle for transporting.

FIGS. 7A and 7B once again show container 101, although now in an intermediate position in which a motorbike 110 can be connected to or released from bottom part 102. Also clearly shown is that one of the side walls 4 has an assembled construction of two separate wall parts 111 and 112. 

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A collapsible container for transport of goods, comprising assembled container sides consisting of a substantially flat bottom part, a number of side walls connected hingedly to the bottom part and at least one top part connected hingedly to a side wall, wherein the container sides are displaceable between a collapsed position, in which the container sides lie substantially parallel to each other, and an active position in which the container sides enclose a storage space, wherein the side walls and the top part are displaceable relative to the bottom part such that in a collapsed position of the container they can be placed on the flat bottom part, wherein a first container side which releasably connects to a second container side is provided with a profile part having a stop surface adapted to engage the second container side.
 12. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one of the side walls is hingedly coupled to the bottom part via a profile assembled from a plurality of types of material.
 13. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second container side is provided with a profile part provided with a stop surface adapted to engage on the first container side such that the two profile parts connected to the first and second container side are dimensioned for releasable co-action.
 14. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein two releasably connectable container sides are provided with co-acting coupling means.
 15. The container as claimed in claim 14, wherein the co-acting coupling means are formed by a Velcro tape fastening.
 16. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one of the upright side walls is assembled from a plurality of segments hingedly connected to each other.
 17. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one of the upright side walls is provided with a releasable segment.
 18. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the bottom part is provided with an upright edge part, on the upper edge of which a side wall engages hingedly.
 19. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the container is provided with engaging means which are externally accessible in the active position.
 20. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the container is provided with coupling means located on the inside of the container, in active position of the container, for coupling a vehicle to the container. 